Ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal, a look back at their crucial encounter from April 2023 highlights the significance of this rivalry.
One moment in time: Haaland lets his hair down!
Ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash between City and Arsenal, for our latest dip into the archives we revisit another pivotal meeting between the title-chasing sides from April 2023.
Just as this weekend, the Etihad was the venue for a meeting between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s giants with the duo once more slugging it out for the title.
Arsenal went into the game leading the way in the table, holding a five-point advantage but with City enjoying two vital games in hand.
It ended with the Blues storming to a memorable 4-1 victory, with two-goal Kevin De Bruyne and an inspired Erling Haaland proving unstoppable.
HOW TO WATCH CITY v ARSENAL ON TV
On an electric night filled with iconic images, the sight of Haaland rounding off victory by claiming City’s fourth goal shortly after removing his hair band served to encapsulate what was a win for the ages.
By then City were already in cruise control thanks largely to another De Bruyne masterclass with Haaland proving equally influential.
Against the backdrop of a raucous Etihad atmosphere, the Belgian had lit the Blue touch paper by opening the scoring in sensational fashion just two minutes in after latching onto Haaland’s inspired assist.
A John Stones’ header doubled the City advantage just before the break with De Bruyne then pouncing on another delicious Haaland pass to further extend the lead shortly after the break.
Though Rob Holding netted for the visitors to reduce the arrears, nothing could detract from the magnitude of City’s display and a night to savour was then rounded off by Haaland with time almost up.
Having just removed his trademark hair band, the Norwegian then raced onto an inviting Phil Foden ball before beating Aaron Ramsdale to set the seal on a statement win.
The sight of Haaland jubilantly celebrating with his hair billowing in the air became one of the enduring images of the night.
It was the 49th goal of Haaland’s remarkable debut season at City.
FOURMIDABLE: Erling Haaland celebrates after sealing a win to savour.
It also made it 33 for the season in the Premier League alone, seeing him overtake Mo Salah in setting the record for most goals in a 38-game topflight campaign.
And for a delighted Guardiola it again illustrated the unique chemistry between De Bruyne and Haaland.
“We’ve always had an incredible attacking threat but the connection between Erling and Kevin is extraordinary. Here we tried to use it as much as possible,” the City boss pointed out.
“Kevin is always pushing and feels he can do better but in this shape he moves behind Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey and has more freedom. It’s so dangerous for opponents. The threat with Erling-Kevin, Kevin-Erling is so important.
“I think Kevin is the master of the assist whether or not Erling is playing and Erling scores goals with or without Kevin but together they are so dangerous.”
There would be more goals to come for Haaland as City went on to both claim the title – and subsequently secure a historic Treble.
We’ve unveiled our plans for bars and hospitality spaces in the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium.
As previously communicated, the new North Stand concourses will feature large TV screens, upgraded sound systems, and self-service kiosks designed to create an amazing matchday experience.
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The outcome of the April 2023 match between Manchester City and Arsenal was pivotal in the title race, impacting both teams' standings.
The next match between Manchester City and Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday, as part of the Premier League fixtures.
You can watch the Manchester City vs Arsenal match on TV by checking local listings for broadcast details.
The rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal is significant due to their historical competition for titles and their impact on the Premier League standings.
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